In My Skin

Rhodri Meilir interview

Rhodri Meilir talks about his character Dilwyn, the alcoholic father of Bethan, switches between being charming and odious.

What stood out for you when you read the script?

The complexities of the character. He can be several people at once, depending on his immediate audience.

I was sent a scene to prepare where Dilwyn is at home with one of his friends when Beth returns home. I found the switch in his behaviour intriguing and thought it would be a fantastic challenge to try and find a way under his skin. He can be charming one second, odious the next. A charismatic, cruel chameleon.

Why did you want to be involved in the series?

Kayleigh writes beautifully. I initially thought In My Skin was sold as a comedy but struggled to find the gags when I read the script. It's the subtlety that sells it. In My Skin is both heartwarming and heart-breaking in equal measures. I also enjoy the experience of making my mother squirm when she watches her darling boy behaving badly on the box.

What was it like playing Dilwyn? And what was the biggest challenge in taking on the role?

Mostly, playing Dilwyn is a lot of fun. Some of the things he says and does are vile and I'd never get away with such behaviour in everyday life. I suppose it's a form of escapism, you're permitted to behave in a way that would never normally be tolerated. It's liberating leaving yourself at home.

I suppose one of the biggest challenges is that, before shooting began, I was taken to one side and told not to engage with Gabrielle when off set. They wanted her to hate me. Fair enough, I thought, so I just gave her the quiet treatment whilst engaging fully with others. I still don't know if Gabrielle is aware of the instruction I was given. Maybe she just doesn't like me anyway. Sorry Gabrielle!

How did you get into character for the role?

I find the character's shoes are always a solid way to start. During shooting, Jo and I enjoyed the luxury of an extra day's rehearsal as we had some sensitive scenes to shoot. Although that day was of great use for us, it was strange attempting to find our characters whilst wearing our own personal footwear.

Did it feel different playing a real life character from a true story rather than a fictional character?

In My Skin may be based on some of Kayleigh's experiences but I was never told that the project was 100% autobiographical. Kayleigh's father isn't called Dilwyn so the character lies somewhere in the limbo between fiction and reality.
Kayleigh told me several stories about her father which were of great use when building the character and, in hindsight, I don't know if I pushed the character far enough. I believe the reality of her father may be much greater than what is portrayed. Fingers crossed for another series so I can push him further.

What was it like acting alongside Gabrielle Creevy, Jo Hartley and Di Botcher?

They're a great gang and a lot of fun to be with. I find Jo dangerous to work with as she makes me laugh when I'm not supposed to. But that's also true of Gabrielle and Di. Sometimes we were told to improvise a little around the script and keeping a straight face during those takes could be quite painful. They're all fantastic professionals and given the chance, I'd work with the three of them again tomorrow.

What kind of person do you think will enjoy the series?

Anyone and everyone. Everybody's families are different and everyone's experiences of going to school and growing up can differ wildly, but I'm sure most folk can fully empathise with young people and the pressures they experience during those difficult teenage years; be it home life, school life or the pressure peers can (sometimes unwittingly) put on a person. In My Skin is a slice of someone's reality which will make audiences blush, blub and belly laugh.